Can you clarify how a government can be democratically elected when 90% of the population are excluded from voting ?
No problem, I will try my best.
Under the legislation at that time, those eligible to vote voted in a Government in a fair and democratic way. I most certainly do not condone the actions, but the countries constitution, at that time, set the voting criteria.
Please remember that the black population did have the right to vote before white women did in SA! In the pivotal election of 1953, black and white voters voted together. 1970 saw the witdrawal of the blacks right to vote in presidential elections, instead only being allowed to vote in representatives, not ministers.
If we suggest that it is not a democratic vote if people (Nationals) are excluded from a vote, then next years Referendom is null and void before it starts as Scottish nationals who are not resisdent at the time of the vote, cannot vote, whilst those foreign nationals living and working (but not with permanent residence) can. Remember, a non resident National can vote in a General Election to elect a Prime Minister, but under the SNP's rules, cannot define their own copuntries future. Democratic?
Something that is very often forgotton as well is that black South African Nationals did not recognise South Africa as a nation up until quite recent times and therefore viewed elections as a nonsense, as could be seen by the black voters turn outs at previous elections.
SA is now in the position of the ANC showing signs of deep abuse of its political dominance, corruption, vote rigging in provincial elections and extreme violence against its "own people". Not exactly the Wests idea of democracy.
It was extremely telling that current president, Jacob Zuma, received an extremely hostile reception at Mandelas tribute.
Mandela championed fairness and equality for all, hats off to him for that, but his vision is certainly not what is happening in SA just now.
Sorry...i really do not do politics...thats about all I learnt on the subject during Political Studies at a certain military institution. I was brought up believeing in democracy, not violence and bombings. rather ironic that that was taught to me by mean in green!
